​Zachary was on the verge of homelessness, had never been employed, and had limited computer skills. He was looking for his first “real job” when he came to Goodwill for help. He applied for our free Gateway to Work Program and immediately began attending our Goodskills classes including MS Word, MS Excel, and MS Powerpoint. Within a few weeks, Zachary learned how to create a professional resume and had practiced interviewing techniques. He diligently met with his Goodwill Case Manager and followed-up on all the job leads provided to him. Within two months, he found employment and is now working full-time.

Zachary's story is not unique. Every day, around the country, people are helped by the same kind of free services that have benefitted Zachary. Those free services — which include job placement, job training, skills building and employment services — are funded by donations to Goodwill’s retail operations. For example, a used computer, when donated to Goodwill, can fund more than four hours of career counseling at a Goodwill center.

Last year in New Mexico, nearly 15,000 people accessed the Goodwill services they needed to succeed.

At Goodwill Industries of New Mexico, we hope that this holiday season, everyone will fight for job creation, purpose and opportunity. Each of us can make a real difference simply by giving a financial gift or donating our stuff to Goodwill.

Rest assured, when you do that, you create opportunities for others who are trying to find a job and build skills, including veterans and military families, single mothers, youth and many others, including people like Zachary.

Here’s wishing you and your family the very best holiday season and a joyous new year.